Christmas Bird Count with The Clifton Institute

Join The Clifton Institute for our annual Christmas Bird Count! We’ll spend the day surveying the birds in our 15-mile-diameter count circle, which includes a variety of habitats. We usually see a nice diversity of waterfowl and grassland birds. There’s always a chance for Short-eared Owl and American Tree Sparrow! Participating in the Christmas Bird Count is a great way to learn about the winter birds of Virginia, contribute to a long-term community science project, and get to know other birdwatchers in the area.

Registration is REQUIRED. Register here.

After you register, our staff will assign you to a team of volunteers led by an expert counter. (If you feel qualified to lead a team, please let us know!) Beginners will be assigned to a team responsible for counting the Clifton Institute’s property; this will give you a chance to go slow and learn how to identify our winter birds. If you are an experienced birdwatcher we will likely assign you to a team that will drive from site to site in our circle. Each team will decide whether to carpool or caravan from site to site.

Unless conditions change dramatically, we plan to have a compilation dinner here at the Clifton Institute at the end of the day. Since we will be inside, we ask that you be vaccinated and bring your vaccine card. If you are not vaccinated or are uncomfortable being inside, you can leave your data with us, grab a treat, and go. Chili will be warm starting at 5:00 p.m.

Age: Adults and children accompanied by an adult.

Bring: Please bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one.

Weather policy: Date and time subject to change dependent on weather. Please check your email for updates on the morning of the event.

COVID-19 Information: This program will be entirely outdoors (an outside port-o-potty will be available). We require that everyone have a mask with them in case we need to go inside during inclement weather, to administer first aid, or for other reasons. Please do not attend if you are experiencing or have experienced in the last two weeks any symptoms associated with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.).

Cancellation policy: If you register and can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can make sure every group gets the volunteers they need.

Before attending this event, please read the information included on our liability release form (click here).